Immerse: Prophets - Flipbook - Page 434
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IMMERSE
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PROPHETS
and the possibility of a new Temple have been prominent. Malachi
continues this twofold emphasis by focusing on Israel’s proper worship
practices in the rebuilt Temple. God will be present with his people,
but he will contend with them so they will become the nation he called
for a purpose.
“The great and dreadful day of the Lord ” is coming, when God will
set the whole world right. But first he will provide an opportunity for
reconciliation, promising to raise up a new prophet, a new Elijah: “His
preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts
of children to their fathers.”
A dual message of obedience and hope closes the book. Israel is
called to remember and obey God’s ancient instructions in the Torah,
and there are consequences for those who ignore his teaching. But
towering over it all is the promise of freedom and healing after the
destruction of those who do wrong. Surely the Lord will return to his
people, and “the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his
wings.”
